The midfielder, who left Gelsenkirchen for Tottenham in January, played a key role in the Konigsblauen's 2-1 away win against their rivals earlier this season, and he wants his former team to complete a Bundesliga double over the champions.

"It will be a thrilling encounter and I will keep my fingers crossed that Schalke emerge victorious," Holtby told Goal.com.

"I want my former team-mates and friends to bag the full three points and climb to fourth place in the Bundesliga table.

"It will be a very tough game, though, because Dortmund have a very strong team. A win in the derby will silence Schalke's critics."